Sam holds on from traffic-delayed Strapless The stallion Kodiac got a good mention in the trade paper during the week as trainer David Marnane's favourite sire and a son of that Tally Ho Stud resident, Washboard Sam justified favouritism in the opening Magners Irish Cider European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden at Down Royal. Equipped with a tongue-strap, as he'd been when making a promising debut 44 days ago, Washboard Sam was always on the pace here under Gary Carroll. He held off the unlucky in running Strapless at the finish. Ger Lyons trains Washboard Sam for Sean Jones. Lyons' brother Shane said: "Like a lot of ours he improved from his first run. "That's the best ground we've had all year – it's beautiful out there. "He'll get a bit further and we'll keep him going." Dylan Robinson, jockey on board Strapless, reported that his horse suddenly found himself on the heels of the leaders and stumbled as he moved to avoid. Fromjacktoaking's rider Ronan Whelan said he suffered accidental interference at the cross road in the home straight. The pair came in seventh. (MG & EM)
